Lookin' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

[Highbeam]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

"Genuine Honda engines will have the quietest engines in a portable generator. "

Not really the truth. They certainly have some models that are superior but they also have cheaper models that are just as loud as a briggs and cost much more.

 

[BubbaJr]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

I had a 10KW propane powered generator with a B&S engine. Had is the key word here. It got so it wouldn't start and the generator people couldn't fix it. So they made me a deal on an 11KW Honda powered unit. We had the ice storm of the century here this January and we were without electricity for 7 days. I started the generator up at 6 in the morning, shut it off at noon, and started it back up at 6 in the evening, and shut it off about 11:30 at night. The frozen stuff in the freezer stayed cold, and I stayed warm and toasty, and we survived just fine. Noise isn't really an issue when it's either your electric or no electric for 7 days. But the Honda engine is much quieter than the B&S, and we haven't had any trouble with it at all. Another thing that will quiet it down is distance. Ours is about 100' from the house, and it has to real quiet inside before you can barely hear it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tommu56]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

You should look for a rv gererator I bought a slightly used (50hrs) oanan 4000W 1800 rpm for $600 would have been around $3000! far quiter than any 3600 rpm one that whe had I also have a 1000w portable oanan with a kawosaki? engin that is nice and quiet.

 

[kenmac]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

Along time ago I talked to a place here local that sold propane/ nat gas converson kits for portable generators. They only recomend using the kits on over head valve engines only.As far as the noise ,I may be wrong , but isn't it the type muffler that is used that makes the engine run quiet ?

 

[v8dave]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

Propane or natural gas powered generators also have a distinct advantage in that the fuel doesn't go bad like gasoline will. You don't have to worry about varnish gas after 6 months (if that long).

 

[SonnieP]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

My father-in-law went ahead and purchased himself a generator so I guess I won't be buying another after all. But, I think I may try to find a propane conversion kit... haven't took the time to look yet though. I also need to go ahead and get a wheel kit for my generator. I suppose I'll just have to live with the noise for now. Had my hopes up for a new quieter one... but I sure don't think I need two.

 

[pajoube]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

I have a Honda 6500 and like it very much. Bought it on ebay for 2,000 dollars and it had 45 minutes on it.
Very guiet and powerfull.
PJ

 

[Soundguy]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

Shazam.... 2000$ and 6500w .. Guess quite means alot to some people.

2000$ will buy 24000w of pto generator!

Soundguy

 

[pajoube]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

I agree but I do not have the ability to hook into a PTO. This is a great machine to put into the back of the pickup and haul to work site as well as ready for home use.
PJ

 

[Jagmandave]

Re: Lookin\' to buy a quiet generator... suggestions???

I've got a 12,000 watt Generac that uses a 14 hp B&S single that's also pretty noisey. I was thinking about just adding or replacing the muffler with something a bit bigger/better, although where it sits most all the noise is blocked by my house and there are no neighbors closeby. I also like the idea of a nat. gas conversion kit, so it would run without having to pour gasoline over a hot generator, does anyone know if B&S offers this or someone else?